Seafood > Calamari > Appetizer > Baskets

Calamari Basket Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound calamari rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Wire rack for draining

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the milk and egg.
3. Dip each calamari ring in the milk mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
5. Fry the calamari rings in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Fry the calamari at 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use cornmeal or breadcrumbs instead of flour.
- You can use buttermilk instead of milk.

Variations:
- Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy version.
- Serve with marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the calamari is crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pot to prevent the calamari from sticking together.
- Use a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep the calamari crispy.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the calamari in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the calamari in a basket lined with parchment paper for a fun and casual presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- French fries, onion rings, or a side salad would make great accompaniments.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the calamari is not crispy, the oil may not be hot enough or the calamari may be too wet. Make sure to shake off any excess milk mixture before coating in the flour mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil to prevent burns.
- Make sure the calamari is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Calamari is a popular seafood dish that originated in Mediterranean cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- Calamari has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a chewy texture.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the calamari as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Crispy, Salty, Tangy, Savory, Aromatic